Fall in Number of Domestic Abuse Incidents

Figures published recently by Police Scotland have revealed a 3% fall in the number of domestic abuse incidents reported to the police compared to the previous year.

According to the figures, there were 58,104 incidents of domestic abuse in 2015/16, compared to 59,882 in 2014/15.In line with statistics from previous years, in 80% of cases the victim was female while 20% were male victims.

In half of reported domestic abuse cases, the victim, accused or both were already known to police for previous incidents.

The statistics also show the location of domestic abuse incidents, with 87% happening in the home.

“We welcome the drop in the number of domestic abuse incidents recorded, against a backdrop of an overall fall in recorded crime, and we remain confident that more victims are refusing to stay quiet about what is happening to them,” commented Justice Secretary Michael Matheson. “I believe this is in no small part down to better understanding of this unacceptable behaviour and the support services available for those in need.”

“Earlier this month we announced an extra £665,000 to expand advice and support services for victims of gender-based violence, through the Scottish Women’s Rights Centre,” he said. “We have also invested £7.2 million over three years (2015-18) to ensure court waiting times for domestic abuse cases are prioritised, and created a new domestic abuse aggravation.”

“We are now preparing new legislation to tackle domestic abuse which takes the form of controlling and coercive behaviour, widening our laws to reflect the damage of this kind of psychological abuse,” he added.

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